Gender Differences in Egyptian Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study
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- Category: Vol. 87, June 2019
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Gender Differences in Egyptian Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study, MARWA H. NIAZY and HEND H. AL-SHERBENI
Abstract
Background: Some studies have highlighted the role of gender difference in systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease presen-tation and outcome. Male gender was suggested among poor prognostic factors of the disease.
Aim of Study: To outline gender differences in a retro-spective pilot study on 62 SSc patients as regards clinical manifestations, laboratory data and the medications received.
Patients and Methods: This study included 62 SSc patients. Their files were retrospectively revised. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and medica-tions received during the last visit were recorded. Modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) was used to asses skin tightness.
Results: The patients were 45/62 (72.6%) females and 17/62 (27.4%) males. Their mean age was 40.5±12.2 years and mean age of onset was 32.98±11.4. The limited subtype represented 67.7% of SSc patients. Males had higher mRss, but it didn't reach statistical significance (p=0.11). They had statistically significant more frequent arrythmias (p=0.043), and they received statistically significant higher prednisolone doses (p=0.002). Although statistically insignificant, females tended to have a higher frequency of limited cutaneous subtype, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion and calcinosis.
Conclusion: Male SSc patients tended to have more diffuse cutaneous subtype and higher Rodnan score. They had more frequent arrhythmias (p=0.043) and received higher doses of prednisolone (p=0.002). Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the role of gender difference in presentation, course of disease, response to treatment and outcome in SSc.